25,000 Pre-schools at Risk: KCPS Flags ‘Unworkable’ Norms, Warns of 4.5 Lakh Job Losses

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KCPS Flags ‘Unworkable’ Norms for Preschools, Warns of Job Losses and Rising Costs for Parents

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Council of Preschools (KCPS) has urged the Karnataka government to immediately review and suspend what it described as “impractical” regulatory requirements that could lead to the closure of more than 25,000 standalone preschools across the state. Addressing a press conference at the Press Club of Bangalore, council representatives warned that continued enforcement of the norms may trigger widespread job losses and place additional financial pressure on families.

KCPS members alleged that recent administrative directions, including Circular DPI-CPIOC7-2(NWS)/1/2026-E-2062350 and the 2019 detailed instructions, effectively apply K-12 institutional standards to small neighbourhood preschools. According to the council, several of these conditions are difficult to comply with in residential settings where most early-learning centres operate.

Among the key concerns raised was the requirement for a 30-year registered lease for rented premises, which the council said is rarely available in the private rental market. This, they argued, could render a large majority of preschools ineligible for registration. The prescribed classroom size of 18 ft by 20 ft was also criticised as unrealistic for home-based centres that function on a smaller scale.

KCPS further pointed to the requirement for educational land conversion approvals and a minimum built-up area of 2,000 sq ft, stating that such provisions are designed for larger institutional campuses rather than micro-level childcare facilities. The council also flagged operational issues with the registration portal, claiming it is accessible only within Block Education Officer offices, thereby limiting transparency and causing procedural delays.

Highlighting the wider impact, KCPS estimated that closure of neighbourhood preschools could affect the livelihoods of over 4.5 lakh women employed as teachers, caregivers and support staff. The council added that reduced access to affordable childcare may compel many working mothers to withdraw from the workforce.
Representatives also expressed concern that diminishing standalone preschool options could concentrate early-education services within larger school chains, potentially driving up fees and reducing affordability for middle-income families.

The council placed three key demands before the state government: constitution of a high-level committee to frame separate guidelines for standalone Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) centres, an immediate pause on enforcement of building and land-related norms, and restoration of a fully functional public registration portal.

KCPS office-bearers Dr Aruna Prasad (president), Pruthvi Banwasi (secretary), Savita Patil, Sandhya Prithvi, Sahana Nagendra, Somnath Hawargi, Sampath Kumar and Chirag Agarwal were present at the briefing and reiterated that regulatory reform was essential to safeguard children’s access to early education while protecting employment within the sector.

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Beauty with Purpose: Dr. Jayanti S. Thumsi Applauds Emerging Voices at Miss Karnataka

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Bengaluru: Dr. Jayanti S. Thumsi expressed pride in serving as a jury member for the Miss Karnataka pageant, describing the experience as both meaningful and inspiring. She noted that the event showcased young women who demonstrated confidence, clarity of thought, and a strong sense of purpose.

Reflecting on the evolving definition of beauty, Dr. Thumsi remarked that contemporary platforms highlight qualities beyond physical appearance, including resilience, intelligence, empathy, and the courage to express one’s voice.

As a breast surgeon, she emphasised that such forums also serve as valuable avenues to promote awareness on self-care and women’s health. Dr. Thumsi conveyed gratitude for the opportunity to be associated with an initiative that celebrates strength and individuality in multiple forms.

She extended her best wishes to all participants for continued success in their future endeavours.

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Thousands Flock to Jayanagar Mutt for Sri Raghavendra Swamy’s 431st Aradhana; Laksha Pushparchane Performed

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Bengaluru: The 431st Aradhana Mahotsava of Sri Raghavendra Swamy was celebrated with religious fervour at Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Jayanagar 5th Block, drawing thousands of devotees.

As per the directives of His Holiness Sri Subudhendra Tirtha, the celebrations were conducted under the leadership of senior mutt administrator R.K. Vadindracharya. The rituals began with Ashtottara Parayana followed by Phala Panchamruta Abhisheka to the Brindavana of the saint.

On the occasion, His Holiness Sri Vishwaprasanna Tirtha visited the mutt and performed the Samsthana Pooja. Praying for universal welfare, he also offered Laksha Pushparchane at the Brindavana of Guru Raghavendra.
The visiting seer was accorded a traditional Poorna Kumbha welcome, accompanied by floral honours and ceremonial offerings, temple priest Nandakishore Acharya said.

The mutt premises were specially decorated with illumination and flowers to mark the occasion. A series of special rituals were held, and Anna Santarpane (mass feeding) was organised for the thousands of devotees who attended the celebrations.

Devotees, service volunteers, dignitaries, artistes and members of the public participated in the festivities, received Mantrakshate and prasada after offering prayers, and sought the blessings of the revered saint.

Dharmadhikari Krishna Gundacharya, priests Ramachandracharya and Krishnacharya, mutt staff, volunteers and devotees were present and rendered service during the celebrations.

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Gandasi Sadananda Swamy Shines as Top Vote-Getter in Executive Committee Race

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Somasekhar Gandhi Elected President of KWJA Bengaluru Unit; Gandasi Sadananda Swamy Emerges Top Executive Committee Vote-Getter

Bengaluru, Feb. 23: The elections to the Bengaluru City District Unit of the Karnataka Working Journalists Association (KWJA) concluded on a spirited note, with Somasekhar Gandhi being elected as the President.

Parimala H.S. secured the position of Vice President, while H.K. Basavaraj and K.S. Swamy were chosen as General Secretaries. Jayakumar Gowda, K. Harish, K.L. Lokesh, and Godavari D.S. were elected unopposed as Secretaries, reflecting strong consensus within the fraternity.

Announcing the results, District Election Officer V. Nanjundappa declared T. Mohan elected as Treasurer and H.R. Ravish as Member of the State Executive Committee.

In the contest for the District Executive Committee, Ravikanth Kundapur secured the highest number of votes to claim the top position, while Gandasi Sadananda Swamy followed closely to take second place, underscoring robust participation and democratic engagement among members.

Other candidates elected to the committee include B.S. Ramachandra, Ramakanth Guggari, Gangaraju, Nataraj, Mohankumar, Rajagiri Pradeep, Lingaraju Nonavinakere, Sharan Basappa, N. Shivananda, and S. Shyam.

The voting process witnessed enthusiastic participation from journalists across the region, with State President Shivananda Tagadur present on the occasion. State Chief Election Officer Ravi Kumar Telex expressed gratitude to members for their cooperation in ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the elections.

Extending his greetings, Gs Gopal Raaj, Editor of City Today News, congratulated the newly elected office-bearers and committee members, expressing confidence that the team would strengthen journalistic values, promote professional unity, and work towards the welfare and rights of working journalists in Bengaluru.

The election outcome marks a fresh chapter for the association’s Bengaluru unit, with expectations high for proactive leadership and collective progress in the media community.

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ಪತ್ರಕರ್ತರ ನಿರೀಕ್ಷೆಗಳ ಪ್ರತಿನಿಧಿ ನಟರಾಜ್ ಬಿ.ಪಿ: ಜಿ.ಎಸ್. ಗೋಪಾಲ್ ರಾಜ್ ಅಭಿನಂದನಾ ಸಂದೇಶ

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ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಕಾರ್ಯನಿರತ ಪತ್ರಕರ್ತರ ಸಂಘದ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ನಗರ ಜಿಲ್ಲಾ ಕಾರ್ಯಕಾರಿ ಸಮಿತಿ ಸದಸ್ಯರಾಗಿ ಆಯ್ಕೆಯಾದ ನಟರಾಜ್ ಬಿ.ಪಿ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಅಭಿನಂದನಾ ಸಂದೇಶ

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಕಾರ್ಯನಿರತ ಪತ್ರಕರ್ತರ ಸಂಘದ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ನಗರ ಜಿಲ್ಲಾ ಕಾರ್ಯಕಾರಿ ಸಮಿತಿ ಸದಸ್ಯರಾಗಿ ವಿಶ್ವಾಸಾರ್ಹ ಮತಗಳಿಂದ ಭರ್ಜರಿ ಗೆಲುವು ಸಾಧಿಸಿದ ಯುವ ಹಾಗೂ ಚುರುಕಿನ ಪತ್ರಕರ್ತರಾದ ನಟರಾಜ್ ಬಿ.ಪಿ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಹೃತ್ಪೂರ್ವಕ ಅಭಿನಂದನೆಗಳನ್ನು ಸಲ್ಲಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ.

ಈ ಜಯವು ನಿಮ್ಮ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿತ್ವ, ವೃತ್ತಿ ನಿಷ್ಠೆ, ಸಹೋದ್ಯೋಗಿಗಳೊಂದಿಗೆ ಬೆಳೆಸಿಕೊಂಡ ವಿಶ್ವಾಸ ಮತ್ತು ಸಂಘಟನಾ ಚಟುವಟಿಕೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ತೋರಿದ ನಿರಂತರ ಸಕ್ರಿಯತೆಗೆ ಸಿಕ್ಕಿರುವ ಯೋಗ್ಯ ಮಾನ್ಯತೆಯಾಗಿದೆ. ಪತ್ರಕರ್ತ ಸಮುದಾಯದ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಹೊಂದಿರುವ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಸ್ಪಂದನೆ, ಒಗ್ಗಟ್ಟಿನ ಮನೋಭಾವ ಹಾಗೂ ಸಂಘದ ಬೆಳವಣಿಗೆಗಾಗಿ ನೀವು ತೋರಿರುವ ಬದ್ಧತೆ ಈ ಗೆಲುವಿನ ಮೂಲಕ ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ ಸಾಬೀತಾಗಿದೆ.

ಸಂಘದ ಸದಸ್ಯರ ನಿರೀಕ್ಷೆಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಆಶೆಗಳ ಪ್ರತಿರೂಪವಾಗಿರುವ ಈ ಜವಾಬ್ದಾರಿ ಹುದ್ದೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ನೀವು ಪಾರದರ್ಶಕತೆ, ನಿಷ್ಠೆ ಮತ್ತು ಸಮನ್ವಯತೆಯೊಂದಿಗೆ ಕಾರ್ಯನಿರ್ವಹಿಸಿ, ಪತ್ರಕರ್ತರ ಹಕ್ಕುಗಳ ರಕ್ಷಣೆ, ಕಲ್ಯಾಣ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಗಳ ವಿಸ್ತರಣೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಸಂಘಟನೆಯ ಶಕ್ತಿವರ್ಧನೆಗೆ ಮಹತ್ವದ ಕೊಡುಗೆ ನೀಡುವಿರಿ ಎಂಬ ವಿಶ್ವಾಸವಿದೆ.
ನಿಮ್ಮ ಈ ಸಾಧನೆ ಮುಂದಿನ ದಿನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ಉನ್ನತ ಸೇವಾ ಅವಕಾಶಗಳಿಗೆ ದಾರಿ ತೋರಲಿ. ನಿಮ್ಮ ನಾಯಕತ್ವದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂಘ ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ಬಲಿಷ್ಠವಾಗಲಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಪತ್ರಕರ್ತರ ಒಗ್ಗಟ್ಟು ಮತ್ತಷ್ಟು ಗಟ್ಟಿಯಾಗಲಿ ಎಂಬುದು ನನ್ನ ಹಾರೈಕೆ.

ನಿಮ್ಮ ಭವಿಷ್ಯದ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಕಾರ್ಯಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಯಶಸ್ಸು ಸದಾ ಜೊತೆಯಾಗಲಿ ಎಂದು ಹಾರೈಸುತ್ತಾ, ಮತ್ತೊಮ್ಮೆ ಹೃತ್ಪೂರ್ವಕ ಅಭಿನಂದನೆಗಳು.
– ಜಿ.ಎಸ್. ಗೋಪಾಲ್ ರಾಜ್
ಸಂಪಾದಕರು
ಸಿಟಿ ಟುಡೇ ನ್ಯೂಸ್

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